Overall, Riftside 1 is a solid read, and I’d have no hesitation recommending it. While it didn’t fully align with my personal preferences, it still delivered an enjoyable experience.
That said, I don’t think it’s fair to compare it to titles like Primal Hunter or He Who Fights With Monsters. Those books hit about 90–95% of what I look for in terms of story and plot—they’re much closer to my ideal. Riftside 1, by contrast, landed around 70% for me. It didn’t quite check all the boxes I typically seek out as a listener, but it’s still a well-crafted book with plenty to appreciate.